Grandma's been getting tips and ideas sent in by my readers and have decided it was time to start giving credit where credit was due. That is how this page has come about, so from now on all new tips sent in will be on this page.

Right now they aren't in any kind of order as I get more I will try to categorize them a bit. I will add them as I get them in, so please if you have some good money saving or penny pinching tips see the bottom of this page and send them.

Great website Grandma, some of these tips have helped out quite a bit. I am active duty military and thus my wife is one of those wonderful Navy wives who somehow saves money, raises our son, takes care of the household, and still finds time for me.
 
I just wanted to share a tip we discovered for ourselves a few months ago, this wont apply to all models of dishwasher but if it does apply it can cut down on the electric bill a noticeable amount. Some dishwashers have the option of a "heated dry" well the electricity used to produce that kind of heat is no different from a dryer (which is an electricity hog) so we have noticed a drop in our electric bill simply by manually setting the dishwasher up to NOT run the "heated dry" cycle, and after the dishes are done being washed/rinsed we take them out and place them on the counter to air dry.
 
Hope you find the tip helpful and can pass it on.

With best regards, name withheld by request

Hi Grandma,
  LOVE your site. A few tips from me that I am sure your readers will love. Sign up for Goodwill email alerts. When you sign up they send you a five dollar off coupon on a purchase of 25.00 or more in purchased goods. They will also let you know when they are having an "event" for example on July 31th Goodwill will be having half off ALL clothing. Also every week Goodwill has a different "tag" color that you can get 50 percent off on those clothing items that have that color. Then on Wednesdays they have 20 percent off for military, senior citizens and collage students.

Another tip sign up for Kohls emails. They email you a 5 dollar coupon for simply signing up. If you give them your home address they sometimes mail you a 10.00 coupon you can use on anything in the store. I get these several times per year. The store is currently having a HUGE sale of up to 90 percent off and better yet I even received emails from them over the past several weeks giving me an extra 15 percent off. I bought beautiful Vanity Fair bras there for only 3.60 each. Hope these tips have helped a little.

Jeannie
Delaware

Hi Grandma! On your Penny Pinching Around the House page, you mentioned great ways to save on dryer sheets and ideas to use dryer sheets for. I have done away with dryer sheets completely. I spent ten dollars 1 1/2 years ago on dryer balls. Not only do they keep away static cling, but they help to dry your clothes faster by beating out the water. I have also found that when they are not being used in the dryer, my 2yr old daughter likes to play with them and use them as a teething tool. Just rinse before putting back into the dryer. I will never go back to dryer sheets!

Shallon
Washington

How long can that bottle of ketchup stay in your fridge before it goes bad?   I'm thinking 5 or 10 years but if you want an expert opinion, go to the web site below.  This site lists all kind of foods and how to keep them fresh longer as well as when to get rid of them.  If you have a question click on the particular picture, and a whole list of stuff appears.............WHAT A GREAT SITE! Still Tasty.com

Joyce
Gulf Breeze, Fl.

It's cold outside - it's been below 15 degrees for about three days.  When I went to do my laundry this morning, I discovered that the drain from my washing machine was frozen.  Nothing else in my house ever freezes - just the washing machine drain!

After carefully pouring boiling water down the drain - which usually works - but it didn't this time - I was at a loss on how to get my laundry done.  When I walked out into the garage to look for the drain snake, I spotted the bucket of "ice melt".  On a whim, I scooped about a 1/3 cup and went back in and poured it down the Drain.  Within seconds the drain was open.

Marie
Olathe, KS

Several suggestions:  First, if you are in an area where there is an Aldi (Kansas & East), shop there for groceries.  Their items are equivalent to brand names (often better) and cost 1/3 to 1/2 less. Check out aldifoods.com for wonderful recipes and a printable shopping list.

Need prescription glasses?  Check out 39dollarglasses.com.  You'll need to have your prescription available, but they have wonderful glasses starting at $39!

Need to get rid of sugar ants?  Start outdoors!  Mix 20 Mule team borax with something sweet (syrup, jelly, honey) and place drops anywhere you see ants.  Within a few days, they will all be gone.

Marie
Olathe, KS

In order to keep your plastic containers, and rubber corning ware tops looking like new, spray a little bit of PAM on them before storing food in them. the grease won't stick on and discolor your dishes. we all know how much we've been annoyed by spaghetti stains!

Heather
Pasadena, Ca.

Hello, I'm an avid penny pincher and I've been practicing a few things that I haven't seen on your site yet.

Install low-flow or adjustable shower heads and use at the lowest setting possible. This pays for the shower head the first month with the reduction of hundreds of gallons of water. Having aerators on your faucets also reduces the water flow.

If you have old toilets, put a (closed) plastic bottle filled with rocks or sand in the tank so the toilet uses less water.

Old towels have many uses: cut into rectangles and use on your swiffer to clean the floor, or use as throw away rags for cleaning the car. You can also use them as heat resistant batting in handmade potholders, trivets, coasters, placemats, and table runners.

Many people, me included, are saving money by going "no soap" and "no shampoo." If you shower daily, washing down with just a washcloth leaves you just as clean and doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. Washing your hair with a couple of tsp. baking soda, in about 1/2 cup water works just as well as shampoo, you just have to get used to not having soapy bubbles when you scrub your head.

Moisturizing your skin with olive oil or coconut oil is a cost effective alternative to expensive lotions, and all natural!

I have so many tips, but not enough time. I thought of starting a similar site, but then I found yours. Now I need to go finish reading some more of it.

Angela
United States

My other half found this on the web somewhere and thought it would be of interest to my readers. "Many people swear that a zip-lock bag filled half-way with water and attached over entry-ways will repel flies". If you want to know more about it, go here.

Hi,

I am writing to let persons interested in saving money and conserving resources by buying previously owned items know that MapMuse has recently introduced interactive mapping of thrift shops across the US. There are presently over 9,000 thrift stores located on the MapMuse map. Our maps allow people to view all thrift stores on a single interactive map either at a local, metro, or regional level.

http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/thrift-shops

Cindy Jett
Washington DC

I wanted to pass along this article from the June issue of Consumer Reports in case you haven't seen it yet: Consumers Report
How to Squeeze a Nickel is a collection of frugality tips from readers and staff members in categories ranging from Lawn Care to Bills and Saving. I'll paste a few of my favorite examples below. Hope you find the article useful. And, of course, feel free to share with your readers if you do.


*Instead of throwing out the plastic from the dry cleaner, I tie a knot at the bottom to close up the hanger hole and use it as a trash-can liner.

*Once or twice a year I won't buy as much food as usual and I try to empty the freezer and cupboards before buying more. The freezer, especially, is full of food I forget.

*I asked a hotel if it would price-match a deal I found online. It did, saving me $30 or so a night. The first agent said no. The next day, a different agent agreed. I've also found different prices when I call a hotel directly vs. the central 800 number.

*Store wool sweaters in old cotton pillowcases instead of expensive and environmentally unfriendly plastic bins. The cotton lets the wool breathe, which helps sweaters last longer but still keeps moths out.

*When I shop online, I always check Google for a coupon for the site before I check out. Just yesterday I saved $15 and got free shipping on shoes.

Name with held by request

Hello,
I just wanted to let you know about this story from Consumer Reports in case you haven't seen it yet:

Rebuild Your Next Egg features 17 moves to help you secure your future including in-depth sections with advice specific to younger workers, the pre-retired and retirees.

This link will take you to the overview article which in turn links to sub-articles:  http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/personal-investing/nest-egg/overview/nest-egg-ov.htm

Name withheld by request, (I found this of interest so I have included it for my readers)

Hi Grandma,
 Did you know you can make your own laundry soap and save loads of money?  Here are some recipes!

Jennifer
Iowa

(There is so many recipes that I put them on another page, go here to see the recipes; and thanks Jennifer)

I just wanted to tell you that I have been reading your site and love it! I will be reading it more than any other.
A quick tip of my own: We do not fry much of anything, and seldom re-use the oil... so I put left over cooking oil and debris in a old coffee can and freeze it until it's full, then put in the trash. This works great also for when the fisherman of the house cleans fish and it's summertime...freeze the remains then throw in the trash! No smell to bake in the summer sun.
(Thank you and your hubby for this site :)

Gloria
Texas

Did you know that you can take a package of unscented baby wipes and add one of those 1.7 oz high end samples of toner or face cleaner, and have luxury face wipes? 

 Jennifer
Williamsburg, IA

I became addicted to the Starbucks Frappucino (the kind in a bottle you can buy at almost any store) but they are very expensive, plus have gobs of sugar in them. 
Well, now I make my own each morning.  I put some water in a 12 oz styro cup (you can use a coffee mug, I just don't want to have to wash dishes), add 1 spoonful of instant coffee (I use Folger's), some Splenda, and an ice cube.  Then I fill up the cup with unsweetened soy milk. Voila! Frappucino - and I love it!  Also, I love mocha, so sometimes I add chocolate syrup, but you could add whatever flavoring you like.

Pat
Houston, TX

I love your sight!  I'm a Navy wife and we are about to retire in November after 24 years. Thanks for all your helpful tips. You may already know this, I haven't had the pleasure of looking through all your ideas, but here goes.
Take toilet paper rolls and cover them with Contact paper. They are great for holding the electrical cords to your kitchen appliances.
Thanks again!

Instead of buying just one bar of dove soap, buy two. One for your face, and use it as a facial. Cake it on your face and go about doing chores, you can even sleep in it! It does wonders, I had what I like to call "intuitive  acne" from when I dated one of my exes and it cleared my face up good!

Amber
Davie, NC

Mention the library! It is free. Why pay for a book that you probably will read only once, or worse yet, start reading and find you don't enjoy it enough to finish it. (That is a good idea, sorry I didn't think about it before. Grandma).

Name withheld by request

Tony
Pensacola, Florida

 Save the vet bill if you have a horse with a cut!  Clean the wound then apply a poultice of chopped up raisins with just enough water to make it like a paste.  Cover that with plastic (I put the raisin poultice in a snack-size zip bag and then cut an "I" shape down the middle so the bag could open & fold out, putting the poultice on the wounded area.) and then tape/bandage it so it will stay on the horse.  Change this out once each day.  The raisin mixture not only helps to keep infection away, it also prevents scarring! 
We used this on a horse the vets told us would probably have a bone infection and have to be put down. We tried the raisin poultice and noticed a huge improvement within the first 48 hours!

As crazy as it sounds, just a few months later my husband got injured in a farming accident, cutting off the tip of one of his fingers. He had to go to the dr. for surgery to clean up the end of his finger, but was told he'd have scar tissue. He was so disgusted about the whole thing (always been super careful when he's working on machinery, plus absolutely hating to have the dr. remove more of his fingertip) that he decided to try to raisin treatment, too. :) I guess it worked 'coz he never got any infection and there's not any scarring. However, suggesting it to humans may be a bit over the edge for most folk. ;)

I just figure that if God made it, it's gotta be good! :)

Name withheld by request

Hi, I found your website by accident but I really like it so I am bookmarking it. There are some old tips on here that I use to know but have forgotten. I would like to share some information with you that saves me money. It is a website that list the sales at local grocery stores. Then you can match your coupons to the sales before you ever leave the house. I have saved a lot of money this way and have even gotten items for free.  My cabinets and freezer are overflowing with my stockpiled sale items.  The website is http://www.groceryguide.com. Hope you find it useful as well.

Laura
Arizona

Star bucks gives away free old coffee grounds. They are neatly packaged, just ask for them.  You do not have to be a paying customer to pick up the grounds either!  They are very nice and glad you are saving them from going in the landfill.  I put them in my garden, and I am filling in holes in the yard. It saves me from having to buy topsoil! 
 
Got a damaged patch of grass? don't buy a repair kit.  Spread cheap grass seed and cover with dryer lint then water.  Birds won't be able to eat the
seeds!
 
Make a compost bin with an old pickle barrel, or used tires. Google make your own bin for free instructions!

Save old sheets that have worn out or torn.  Tear into two inch strips and crochet with a small needle to make rag rugs.  To wash the rugs throw into the washing machine.

Name withheld by request

Carol
Florida

I really enjoyed your article on how to re-use things. You mentioned re-using plastic newspaper bags for packing things. I found these bags the ideal size for pooper scoopers.

Take them along when walking your dog; they easily fit in your pocket. If your dog goes out, put a clean newspaper bag over your hand and arm, pick up the poop and then slide the bag back over your arm and hand. The poop will be contained in the bag once it comes off your hand; you can then just tie a knot and put it in the nearest trashcan. No mess to step in, and no smell! You can use any similar sized plastic bag for this, but I think newspaper bags are the best because they're longer.

Name withheld by request

Teeth whitening products cost a fortune.  I only get mine cleaned once a year, my hygienist always complements me when I go.  This is how I do it.  I brush twice a day with a cheap whitening tooth paste and every 2 weeks I brush my teeth with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda.   Pour the baking soda onto the side of the sink (you can clean your sink with the left over) and put some Peroxide in a cup.  Dip your toothbrush in the peroxide and then scoop up some baking soda.  Brush teeth very well, making sure to get all surfaces.  Keep getting more peroxide and baking soda as needed.  Rinse with the remaining peroxide in your cup.   Then rise well with water. 

DO NOT swallow this mixture.  It's not the best tasting but is a great antiseptic and it keeps your teeth sparkling! You will be amazed at the stuff that comes off, especially tea and coffee stains.  An added bonus is a clean sink and a sanitized toothbrush.

Annie
Tennessee

Well Betty from Gulf Breeze has been busy and sent a great bunch of INTERESTING IDEAS AND HINTS you can find them here. There was to many for this page so it is on a whole new page, very interesting ideas you got to check it out.

Thanks, Betty
Gulf Breeze, Florida

I didn't have the money to replace the door seal on my washing machine where the rubber had perished. So I stuck a waterproof plaster to the tear and it stopped leaking!  Periodically I do have to replace it, but it is a whole lot cheaper than a new door seal. Once when I was changing the plaster my little girl (aged five) saw me take the old plaster off, and she asked 'Is it better now Mummy?'

Name withheld by request,
United Kingdom

Hi, I have been using lots of tea for many years now, including rooibos tea. Whenever I have used tea leaves they go right into my garden. I also like to make rooibos and white/green tea just for my plants (tomatoes, strawberries and peppers) and they are really seeming to love me for it. I don't have that good of soil (very clay like) and it gets very hot with extreme climatic changes. I have plants that are thriving and full of blooms and fruits. I am guessing all of those antioxidants are great for my plants too.

Dale
Wenatchee, Washington

Instead of decreasing the wattage on light bulbs, use Energy Star light bulbs.

If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.

Tessa
Schaumburg, Illinois

Turn down the setting on the water heater.  Most people keep that water much too hot. Saves the heater; saves on the utility bill.

Wash light bulbs.  If you pass a damp rag over light bulbs when you dust, it will keep them clean.  Your house will be brighter and the bulbs will burn longer.

Even better, switch to those energy smart bulbs (the kind that look like a coil).  They burn much less energy, last lots longer and best of all generate much less heat.  So it will be cheaper to cool the house in the summer.

Close blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining in.  Will keep house cooler and save on energy.

Change the air filter on the heater/ac every other week.  An ac man told me that a clean filter makes it easier for the AC unit to run and it cools more effectively.

Don't buy the cheapest filters.  If you pay a little more you get much more efficient filtration. 

Name withheld by request,
Louisiana

GOD BLESS
Maylene
Reno, Nv. 

Used dryer sheets-during "love bug" season, you can dip a used dryer sheet in some water and use it to remove dried up bugs off of your vehicle. The chemicals in the dryer sheet soften the dried up bugs and the dryer sheet does not scratch your paint job. Then all you need to do is rinse your car off. (If you leave bugs on your vehicle, the acid in their bodies will damage your paint job).

Carmen
Panama City, Florida

Grandma did you know you can make your own flexible ice packs. Pour 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a zip-type plastic bag and close it. Put the zipped bag into another bag, seal, and freeze. You will have a slushy bag of ice whenever needed for sprains, headaches, or whatever.

Name withheld by request.

A shot of vodka added to a vase will keep your cut flowers fresher much longer. A little lemon-lime soda will also work. You can also add a little sugar to the water. Be sure and change the water at least every couple of days.

Spray the inside of a mayonnaise jar white. Store it in the refrigerator as a hiding place for money or valuables.

Both from Susan
Colorado Springs, Colorado

So do you have a good penny pinching tip for Grandma’s website? If you do go to my Ask Grandma page and send it in to me. Looking forward to many more.

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